IPL 2018: This is a game we needed to win, says R Ashwin after victory over DD

KXIP are leading the points table at the moment.

Kings XI Punjab bowled exceedingly well to restrict Delhi Daredevils from winning the must-win encounter at the Kotla.

Ashwin was courageous enough to bowl Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the final over with DD needing 17 to win. Mujeeb bowled with a big heart and denied Shreyas Iyer from scoring the runs in the final over.

After the win, KXIP skipper R Ashwin said that this was a much-needed win for the team against Delhi. “If we were serious about winning, this is a game we needed to win,” he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

It was a rather disciplined bowling effort by Punjab as none of the bowlers gave Delhi batsmen to freeze arms. The pick of the bowlers though was pacer Ankit Rajpoot, who returned with figures of 2/23. Afghanistan youngster Mujeeb Ur Rahman impressed too.

“I decided Mujeeb will be bowling the 20th over. I thought AJ (Tye) was the best bowler on the day. Delhi batsmen wanted to attack, which fell in our hands,” Ashwin added.

A disappointed Delhi skipper Gautam Gambhir said, “When you lose three wickets in the first six overs, it’s always difficult.”

“Avesh (Khan) bowled well, (Prithvi) Shaw is a player for the future. We’ve got to win seven games. Our bowling was good today, but couldn’t cross the line.”

Delhi Daredevils are back at their home and will face KKR in their next encounter while Punjab plays Hyderabad in an away contest on Thursday.